“Oh wow… That was amazing.” Leonardo chuckled on his back. Turning to look his exhausted and heavily panting partner next to him, Leo chuckled some more. “You really took your sweet time before approaching me to have sex.” Laughing with soft raspy voice Raphael closed his eyes. “Sorry about that. Had way too many ideas and ways of how to approach you in the first time. Needed to pick the best one so it took time to wonder which, actually, would be the best.” Rolling on his stomach right next to Raphael Leonardo smiled, kissing his beloved mate. His king. “You took so long I already started to think I freaked you out with my previous ‘job’.” “Ahaha, oh no, no. Just had difficulties of deciding, that’s all.” “Hhmm ~” Nuzzling against Raphael’s warm neck Leonardo signed. He felt tired, wanted to relax and have a good night sleep, but he couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling of earlier happening. “Hey, Raph?” “Hm?” “Have you give any thoughts to those signs in our wedding agreement?” “Sure. It’s clear they weren’t ours. I’m sure we both know who’s been behind faking them.” “Yes. But… Doesn’t it bother you at all?” “Sure it does. But it also means he’s really going to do something to us so that he will inherit everything from us.” “I’m sure he’s after your land. That has been the only reason what I have managed to think of.” “Tsyh! Let him try.” Smiling up at Raphael’s face Leo felt his heart expand. Damn, Raphael was so hot when he got serious and angry. If his father would piss Raphael off enough, he would start to regret it pretty soon. Pleasant chuckle escaped him as he settled to sleep in Raphael’s arms. ** Few days later Leonardo was wandering on the hallways, searching for Mikey. He kept calling his brother’s name, but he got no answer. It was so strange since Mikey never disappeared... He liked attention and company so why he, now, was nowhere to be found? Suddenly Leonardo stopped. There was nasty feeling coming from the dark corner behind him. Turning around quick on his heels, he saw blade shining from the shadows, big crocodile leaning against the wall with his upper back and left leg. “You will not find him, no matter how much you scream and search.” Strong chills ran all around over his skin as Leonardo took firmer pose, eyes locked on the crocodile who kept touching the shining blade in his hands. “You know where Michelangelo is then?” “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.” “Stop the crap and tell me where he is. If you have hurt him, I swear -” “I would be concerned of your own well being if I were you, your highness.” Rolling the blade between his fingers Garo took firm hold on the holder, turning the blade towards Leonardo. “I am here to kill you.” Leonardo snorted and laughed. “Oh, what a surprise! I never wouldn’t had thought of that! I mean it wasn’t suspicious at all that, all of the sudden, big croc came in the palace, stalking me at times.” Turning more serious Leonardo tensed a bit. “It’s father, isn’t it?” “It doesn’t matter who hired me for the job. Only thing what matters is the fact I get well paid.” “How much you will get from my hea--” Leonardo’s sentence was cut short when Garo suddenly launched towards him, blade flashing past his head just barely. Rolling away Leonardo used his hands to push himself high in the air enough to dodge Garo’s massive tail when it swept too near him. With smooth somersault in the air Leonardo landed back on his feet, starting to run as fast as he could. Despite the fact Leonardo was thin and quite quick, Garo had no issues of following him by walking. But then again he took longer steps than Leo. “You are only delaying the inevitable.” “Because I like to live as long as possible!” “You really want the remaining minutes of your life to be filled with horror, fear and running? Fine. Have it your way.” Hearing those heavy steps following him as echo in the hallways was getting the hold on Leo. He had never thought such thing could be so terrifying. Fear messed his mind so bad Leonardo completely forgot small shortcut what Garo used to ambush him. Gasping in horror Leo froze when big crocodile, roaring, emerged from the shadows. Leonardo was too close to dodge and Garo was too quick. Lifting his arm to protect his head from sharp teeth Leonardo closed his eyes, screaming when many sharp teeth sank deep in his thin arm. Cursing words flied inside his head as pain sank deeper in his body, preventing him from moving. Garo’s deep throat laugh vibrated against his bleeding arm, golden eyes beaming in the dim light of torches. “I was ordered to kill you fast and not to make mess, but… I think I could play with you a bit.” Pressing his teeth deeper, all the way to the bone, Garo laughed as Leonardo started to tremble, his fingers shaking uncontrollably. “Ready for some shaking, little turtle? Your arm may come off… Or I might bite it in half.” “...N-No…” Sudden hard and heavy punch on the side of his mouth made Garo groan in pain, loosing his hold on Leonardo’s arm, making him slide away from his pray. Opening his eyes Leonardo lifted his injured arm against his chest, holding it there with his healthy hand. Looking up in front of him he saw Raphael’s side profile, but it made his gasp. Right side of Raphael’s face had lots of blood on it – some fresh, some dry. One of his shoulder spikes was gone and the remains of it were bleeding. His shell also had lost few spikes. He had bruises, cuts and other injuries and yet he stood all tall and firm, with such stern and deadly look on his face. “Raphael...” Like if hearing Leonardo call him in his mind, Raphael turned his head slightly towards his mate, keeping his eyes on Garo, who was rubbing his face, spitting out few teeth with blood. “You okay?” “Shit about me! But you -!” “- Haven’t felt better in my life.” Comment like that was unexpected and it stunned both Leo and Garo. Smirking Raphael slowly took his fighting position, keeping his bright eyes on the crocodile. “You think such attacks what you used on me would kill me? Think again, leather boy. I have been fighting my whole life so I’m not going down that easily.” “He attacked you?!” “Bastard tried, I give him that. Your mistake was to assume I was dead without actually confirming it. It’s easy to pretend to be dead.” His voice lowered, turning dark. “And that will cost you your life. Leo, stay back. I got this.” Without another word Raphael went after Garo, who blocked Raphael’s another heavy hit. It made his arm tingle. He fought against Raphael in the small garden earlier, pleased to see the turtle was no match for him, but now… That same turtle had become huge beast which had no issues of following Garo’s moves, block and hit in right times. Growling Garo swung his tail which Raphael dodged easily. Grin spread on his lips as he eyed the crocodile, balancing his stand. “What’s the matter? Surprised? You shouldn’t be, really. I told you already I’ve been fighting my whole life. I know these things. The reason, why you won me in the first round, was because I allowed you to. I wanted to see how good you really are – and you’re not all that good. I have fight against more better opponents.” Growl rumbled deeper in his throat, but Garo quieted himself quick. He had no room to lose his patience. Starting to laugh silently Garo stood up straight, his laugh turning stronger. “Smart move, turtle! I must admit you got me there. Usually my opponents, or targets, are not smart or skilled – or both – at all. You’re the first one and I like the challenge.” Giving a small grin with a nod Raphael went after the crocodile who easily dodged his dash attack, hitting him hard on injured side with his tail. Watching them fight kept Leonardo standing on his place, holding his injured arm. The pain was long gone from his mind, and body, as his eyes followed the pair. He couldn’t stop looking, he couldn’t understand how good Raphael was at fighting – in such injured condition too. Only now Leonardo also spotted big and nasty looking bite mark on Raphael’s left arm. Blood spilled out of the holes every time when Raphael landed hard punch with that arm. Leonardo had witnessed Raphael fight against the guards, many times, after he was brought to the palace and became stronger, but…. He never hadn’t fought like this against them. But then again, this situation was different. In previous times Raphael had protected the weak ones… Now he was fighting for his life. Blow after blow, kick after kick, blood was spilled more or less as new bruises and cuts emerged on fighters’ bodies. Sweat drops raced down on Garo’s face as he panted heavily, eyes locked on Raphael who was breaking a sweat too, but he was not panting as hard as he was. Damn, he was good with great stamina and strength – which meant Garo’s time was starting to run out. Taking a look from the corner of his eye Garo spotted Leonardo standing still there where he had been earlier. “Well… If I can’t kill them both, I will kill him at least.” Almost like flying huge reptile flashed past Raphael, opening his mouth open, aiming for Leo’s head. “Leo! Move!” Blood lost and shock from current events were still holding Leo tight in their grasp. But somehow, still, young turtle released his injured arm – it hurt a lot – falling iron stand with burning tar in it on Garo’s face when he came too close. Yelling in pain Garo closed his eyes, stopping. His screams filled quiet hallway, hands desperately trying to wipe off burning liquid, which had done great damage already. Sudden tight hold, out of nowhere, on the backside of his head slammed his face hard against the wall once, twice… and then repeatedly - force growing with each hit. Garo heard some faint noises, pain filling his head. This was no good. In horror Leonardo watched how Raphael came to the scene, indescribable fury in his eyes, starting to slam defenseless male’s head against hard wall face first. Blood was spilling, skull was cracking and Raphael’s ugly and nasty voice, with hatred, made it all more horrible. This was not Raphael anymore. Rushing to his side, Leonardo used his healthy hand to get Raphael’s attention. Those eyes, what turned to look at him, twisted his heart. That gaze pierced his very soul, but Leonardo remained serious, staring strictly back. “Raphael. Enough. He’s dying. Let me… Let me ask something from him.” As much as he found Leonardo’s request unpleasant, Raphael growled as he released the crocodile who fell on the floor. His blood filled, and smashed, airways made such horrible and wet rumble sounds. Still Leonardo knelt down next to the one who, just now, had tried to kill him. “You are not dead yet. Use your last breath wisely and answer this – What’s the meaning behind all this?” Laughter mixed with bloody coaching when seriously injured Garo whispered; “… Ask… Don….” Turtles watched in silence as Garo took few last light breaths – and then silence. Wind howled somewhere in the hallway as both males stood still, staring at the body. Turning on his heels Raphael started to walk away, Leonardo soon following him. “You should go and get your wounds treated.” “Later. You can go, and should, but I intent to go and see this through.” “Then I will stick with you. We both are in this together.” Raphael didn’t argue. Silently they both went behind Donatello’s room, not bothering to knock. Slamming the door open Raphael stood there, allowing Leonardo enter first, facing surprised turtle. Donatello, like always, was sitting on his chair in front of his desk with a book. His surprise was short lived when his expression changed to “not amused”, book’s covers slamming hard together as he stood up. “I see that stupid being failed. Seriously, if you want to get something done, you should do it yourse--” Leonardo came right at him in a flash, snatching small sharp blade from the desk next to apples. His healthy hand had tight hold on cool metal as he pressed it against Donatello’s neck. Donatello stared down at his “brother” as he pressed his soft shell gently against the bookshelf behind him. “You.” Leonardo hissed with small growl. “You’re behind all this?” “Not quite. This all has been father’s idea. I merely have been his right hand since, let’s face it, that stupid old rat wouldn’t had been able to do all this… No, any of this, on his own.” “But why!? Why you would help him and try to get me, and Raphael, killed!?” Staring down in his brother’s glowing and moist eyes Don remained silent, which only infuriated Leonardo further. Pressing the blade harder against Donatello’s neck Leo broke his skin. “ANSWER ME!” No answer. Growling louder Leonardo looked down, stepping hard on Donatello’s toes, which made other turtle scream and curse. “The fu--!?” “Answers, Donnie! Or are you too much under dad’s little skinless foot to say anything?! Or perhaps you are just a coward – like you always have been! Hiding in here reading and writing rather than being outside training with Mikey and ---” “BECAUSE I HATE YOU! I always have hated you! I decided to become Splinter’s paw so that I would get rid of you! Everything was fine in this place all those years ago until YOU showed up! Until dad decided to adopt you! I don’t know what hit him, but when he decided you would inherit him instead of me – ME, THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN HERE LONGER ALREADY – I had enough! He spent all his time training you or teaching you to read and count - or making someone else do that – but he never did that to me! When you showed up, I was completely ignored! But, luckily, there became unexpected twist. You, Leo. You started to behave like a spoiled brat what you are. You refused to surrender under father’s control – and that pissed dad off so much. He, too, started to want you dead. I saw my chance. So I joined him.” “Why didn’t you try to kill us yourself then? Why assassins?” Lifting his gaze from Leo, Donatello eyed bigger turtle who, still, stood at the doorway, slightly leaning against the door frame, holding big bite mark on his left arm. “I didn’t want to get my hands dirty. Plus it would had been too obvious. However I must correct one thing; That ferret wasn’t a real assassin. He was just regular, but super skilled, street fighter who was in desperate need of money. He was easy to talk into killing you. Sadly he failed, as you can see, since you both are still alive. Garo was father’s idea. He wanted big assassin crocodile and I searched one for him. But he, too, made horrible job.” “Why Raphael?” “Hm?” “Why trying to kill him too?” “Oh, poor foolish Leonardo. Haven’t you managed to connect the dots in your head?” “Splinter wants my land.” “Tadaa! We have someone smart enough here to know the answer.” “He’s not going to get it. It belongs to Raphael. It’s his birthright. Besides I already thought as much. I just wanted to know was that the only reason to get Raphael killed too.” Looking back down on Leonardo, Don grinned slightly. “You think father gives a fuck about that? You know him. When he wants something, he goes after it. Sometimes too foolishly.” “Example?” Raphael demanded. “For example he was ready to go and attack the Council to get the land. If I wouldn’t had been there to talk sense in his old dusty skull, he would had done that – and get his army killed. Or most of it, at least. Perhaps even himself. Not that it would had been a big lost anyway.” Dropping his head down Leonardo sighed deep. “I don’t understand you, Donnie. I get it you started to hate me because father wanted me to become his follower, but --” “Jealousy.” Raphael stated softly and slow from the background. “If you must use that ugly word, then yes, I became jealous of you.” “But why?” Dropping the knife down on the floor Leonardo stepped back keeping his strict, but moist, gaze on his adopted brother. “I never did, intentionally, anything bad to you. I never tried to surpass you. I never tried to be better than you or please father. Or take your place. All what I wanted to be, and do, was to be free and happy. Like Mikey.” Eyes in front of him grew wider, but the turtle still remained silent. “Like… Mikey?” Don finally managed to ask. Leo nodded. In this moment something seemed to click in Donatello’s mind and with one smooth move he slipped away between Leonardo and bookshelf. “Where are you going?” “Mikey.” Looking at each other Raphael and Leonardo decided to follow third turtle. At the basement cell Donatello gasped as he noticed Mikey’s cell door open. Oh no.. No, no, no! Could it be that Splinter had found out about Mikey knowing what was going on?! If so Mikey… Turning on his heels Donatello started to run, amazed how well injured couple managed to keep up with him. Leonardo sped up to be able to run by his brother’s side as they rushed forward. “Care to explain what’s going on now!?” “It’s Mikey. I locked him in the basement cell to keep him safe. Before I left him there I told him everything.” Looking at his adopted brother beside him, Donatello’s face became more serious. “If Splinter has found out Mikey knows...” Light turned on in Leo’s head and his eyes widened in shock. But he didn’t let it overpower him. Instead Leonardo became focused, looking forward. “We won’t let him hurt Mikey.” “If it’s not too late already...” ** Trio stopped behind Splinter’s door only for a second so that Raph could kick the door in. Donatello and Leonardo rushed in first, Raphael watching their backs as he, too, slowly entered the room. What they saw there was probably the most shocking thing ever. Splinter was laying on the floor, obviously in his own blood, wearing his casual robe what he did before heading to sleep. Right next to him was shaking Michelangelo, holding a knife with shaking hands. He was crying, obviously in shock, as his horror filled eyes were locked on lifeless body at his feet. “Mikey...” Don said as gently as possible, starting to approach unstable turtle. Looking at him, oh so slowly, Mikey sobbed loud. Big tears were at the corners of his reddish eyes, previous tears long dried on his cheeks. “Donnie… I didn’t… I mean I did…” “It’s okay, Mikey. Give me the knife. Let’s sit down and you can tell me everything.” Slowly reaching his hand Donatello wore caring smile, which had hoped effect on Mikey. He handed the knife from his bloody hands to him. Leonardo rushed to Mikey’s side, helping him to stand as Raphael and Donatello decided to cover Splinter’s body with blanket. They assumed to see many stabbing marks, but there seemed to be only one. Straight to the heart. Sitting Mikey down on the edge of Splinter’s bed Leonardo sat on other side, while Don sat on another. Raphael decided to stand and be ready if there would come more surprises. Since Don was the best with words, it was natural that Leonardo and Raphael let him do the talking. “Are you alright, Mikey? Did he hurt you?” Turning his shaky head slowly towards Donatello, Mikey managed to shake his head with silent “No.” whisper. Cupping Mikey’s cheeks in his hands Don made sure Mikey’s eyes would stay on him. “That’s good to hear. How you got out from your cell? Someone let you out?” Change of subject seemed to improve and ease young turtle’s state of mind since he gave tiny smile. “You forgot that I can pick locks, ahah… I… I always keep this little metal string with me. You… You remember how I managed to lock myself in that small scary room when I was little?” “Yes. I was worried because I didn’t find you.” “And I was scared… But when you finally found me... Helped me out... I started to practice picking up locks so that… The same thing could never happen again.” Snorting with good nature, and smile, Donatello rubbed his thumb against Mikey’s cheek. “You, little sneaky turtle, have been able to keep that as a secret from me. I’m most proud of you.” It was relieving to see smile, even smaller one, on Mikey’s face. However the nastier part needed to be talked about as well. Leo coughed slightly, getting youngest’s attention. “I don’t want to bring this up, but… You killed Splinter, right?” Sitting silent Mikey turned his head away, looking at the floor and his feet. They had some of Splinter’s blood on them, as well as on his body. “Yes. I did kill him.” Now he started to sob and cry again. “I had no choice. I didn’t want to do it, but I didn’t want him to kill you and Raphael! I tried to talk to him… He didn’t listen… So I… Took the knife from my belt’s pocket and stabbed him when he turned around.” Taking his time to look at each one of them, Mikey’s lips trembled. “I’m sorry, but I had to do it. I’m done with killing and plotting. I knew it wouldn’t stop if father would live.” Aiming his big tearful eyes on Donatello, Michelangelo reached to take hold on Don’s arms, reaching more closer to his face. “I’m sorry...” Sighing with comforting smile Donatello tapped his head gently. “Don’t worry. You did the right thing. I’m just sorry it was you. This whole thing… It was never meant for you. I tried to keep you away from it.” Pulling Mikey in a warm hug Donatello rested his head on Mikey’s, closing his eyes. “I’m truly sorry.” Two other males shared a look with each other, smiling gently. It was all horrible and sad, yes, but now there also was a new beginning to them all. They all could relax and focus on better tomorrow. ** It had been quite a chaos after Splinter’s death. For a long time, actually, but it all had calmed down after few months. Naturally none of the boys had revealed who the real killer was and, since Splinter had managed to make his own testimony before his death, Leonardo inherited him. He was not happy. Walking towards the open entrance of the palace sun was beaming inside, hitting his eyes all too bright. Lifting a hand to give some shade to his eyes, Leonardo looked around, finally spotting his brother sitting on the chair in small garden. Sound of steps on sand made Donatello close the book, lifting his gaze on Leonardo who approached him with a friendly smile on his face. Bowing slightly with his head, Donatello returned the smile. “My Lord. What I can do for you?” “Oh wow. I must say I’m surprised to see you reading out here.” “You are the one who told me to be more outside of my dark box.” Laughing kindly Leonardo stopped in front of his brother who didn’t bother to stand up. Lifting his hand Leonardo offered sealed scroll to him. Neither said anything as Donatello, suspiciously staring at Leo, took it. He read it all calm for few second, but then his eyes almost popped out of his head. Looking up in disbelief, he raised his voice more louder than he meant to. “What’s the meaning of this?!” “Exactly that what you read. If you can read, that is.” “Of course I can read, stupid! But….” Looking at the paper in his hands Don shook his head slightly. “I don’t understand.” “It’s simple. I never wanted to be the ruler. I know nothing about ruling, but you do. You are good at holding the reins, giving orders, making sure all works and is on place. That’s why I step down from my place and give it all to you.” “But why?” Leonardo gave sincere smile. “Because Raphael and I are leaving. There’s no point of me being a leader of our home and land if I won’t be living here. Rule well – My Brother.” He was stunned, heart hammering in his chest. This was unbelievable… And it, indeed, was something what Don had always wanted, but… Standing up Donatello rolled the scroll back in its original form, staring deep in Leo’s eyes. “No. I will not be the one to rule here. I know one who is more suitable for the job.” ** “WHAAT!?” If Mikey wouldn’t had been sitting on the bed so firmly he would had fell on the floor. “You guys are leaving?! But you can’t!” Raphael tapped small shoulder gently few times. “Sorry, little guy, but we can’t stay here the rest of our lives.” “But you can! Can’t they, Don?” Smiling Don lifted his shoulders. “Sorry, Mikey, but they have made their decision already.” “Ouuhhhh….” Pouting like a little kid Mikey stared at Leo, who watched him with loving eyes of a big brother. “Don’t worry, Mikey. We can always visit each other. I mean the land of Albino turtles isn’t all that far away.” “But still. You can’t go. We need you here. You are our ruler.” “Aaah! Good you mentioned it. Donatello?” Stepping forward Donatello handed scroll to Mikey who took it, rolling it open. His eyes widened to the size of a full moon when he read it. Swinging the scroll wildly in the air Mikey stared both of his brother. “What kind of game is this?! This is a prank? A joke?” “It’s true, Mikey. Don didn’t want the place so you, brother, are now the ruler of our land and clan.” Stepping forward Leonardo places his hands softly on thin shoulder. “And you will be the most marvelous ruler in our history. I just know it.” “And from my part Albino clan and Hamato clan will always have an alliance. A friendship. If you need anything, I will be there to help.” Seeing small turtle tear up warmed Raphael’s heart. Bending down he sealed small turtle in his massive arms. “You are horrible for making me cry because of such thing...” Mikey whispered, earning gentle chuckle from big turtle. Stepping forward Donatello coughed to get Mikey’s attention. “And I shall stand by your side here, my Lord. I will be your assistant, helping you with everything in all possible ways. Do not hesitate to turn on me.” Sniffing with smile Mikey rubbed his nose and eyes. “I will. I promise. But know I will be needing a lot of your help. I will be glued on you whining and asking.” Chuckling with amusement Donatello bowed slightly; “I’m fully prepared for it, Lord.” ** Goodbyes were never easy or fun and Raphael could see Leo holding tears back as they slowly rode away from the palace, still hearing Mikey screaming after them. “You can stay here with your family, Leo. I’m not forcing you to come with me.” “I know, but I want to come with you. Besides you promised to take me with you. You are not taking that back?” Hearing a humor in Leo’s last sentence made Raphael laugh. “No. I’m not taking it back.” After that most of the trip went in silence until they reached the edge of most greed grass what either one of them had ever seen. The land in front of their eyes was big and beautiful, green spreading as far as eyes could see. There were hills, forests, lakes, trees with flowers and fruits, wild berry bushes, but also ruins. Memories of the lost civilization… As they rode forward through the land for few hours, they finally spotted small city ruins near the hill, which still held the ruins of the castle. Getting down from his ride’s back Raphael helped Leo down too. His thin long arm was decorated with Garo’s bite mark scar – but then again Raphael was carrying his own scars too. They would be unpleasant memories to the rest of their lives. Looking around Leonardo shook his head. He still couldn’t believe his father had been behind all this… Not letting his thoughts go too far in that direction, Leo forced his focus on Raphael. “I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but… This place is kinda… smashed.” “Sure is.” “You don’t have a kingdom or citizens.” “Who said I need them?” Smiling at smaller turtle Raphael continued. “I have what I need here with me currently. But if there ever would come people, I would welcome them to stay here with open arms. I would offer them a home.” “On the grass? Even during winter? They will freeze to death, you know.” Raphael laughed. “No. We will rebuild this small town.” “Um… WE? You and me?” Smirking Raphael tilted his head. “What’s the matter? Not up for the challenge?” “No, I am not. Besides I never haven’t build anything.” “But we have.” Both turtles turned to look behind them in surprise when most slaves from the palace approached them. Since neither got any words from their mouths, young man stepped forward and bowed with everyone else. “My Lord. We followed you since we would like to offer you our help. You helped us when we were at the mercy of previous leader so, please, let us repay you! We will help you rebuild this place.” Touched by the gesture Raphael stepped forward, landing his hands firmly on a man’s shoulders, making him look up at him. “I will welcome and accept any help, but only if you all are here with your own free will. I will not use you, ever, in any kind of way.” “We all agreed to follow and help you, my king. Just tell us what you need and want us to do.” “Just rest, for now. I will look around and tomorrow we can start to plan work schedule. You will lead the team.” “Understood.” Man stood up tall, heading to spread the word among the humans. Smiling after him Raphael shook his head. He was thankful and happy all those years, what he stood up and fought for those slave, were now paying off. Of course he never hadn’t even thought of making, or getting them, to follow him. All what he had wanted was to get them out, free, to live their own happy life. If they, however, found happiness and good life with him, he would welcome them to stay and live with him. Stepping next to him Leonardo smiled up at him softly. “Well, it seems you got some citizens already.” “It seems so.” “Raphael. I don’t mean to pry, but what about the castle?” Indeed. On top of the hill was the remains of his old home. Steps slowly started to lead him towards it, Leonardo letting him go alone. He felt it was something what Raphael needed to do alone. Inside the ruins Raphael watched carefully where to step. He didn’t want to break anything. He found himself heading towards a statue, an albino female turtle… His mother. It was actually in quite good shape. Stepping behind it Raphael got a sudden urge to push it – and he did – with all his strength. Statue moved first a bit, then sliding out of the way fully. Hidden stairs greeted him and Raphael took the first step in. At the bottom of the stairs he found hidden room and it was full of gold in different forms and shapes. He couldn’t believe his eyes! He had got some money from Mikey when he and Leo had left, but it wouldn’t be enough to feed them and all those people who had followed them secretly. Raphael also wanted to be fair and pay for his workers. Now that issue was solved too. Gathering some of the coins Raphael smiled at them. Closing his eyes he closed his hands on top of his heart, holding coins in them lovingly. He thanked his mother in his mind. This must had been her doing in some way. Heading out and back to the ruins of the town, Raphael headed to see the humans first. They all greeted him with a smile and bow, but Raphael ordered them to stop bowing at him. He didn’t want them to do such thing. He was not above them or more special in any way. Opening his palms Raphael walked from human to human, allowing them to take some of the cold coins. Some people didn’t believe their eyes, some tried to refuse to take them and some… They started to cry openly. It must had been something… big for them. Living as a poor slave and then suddenly you are free, offered to have cold coins… It all has been only a distant dream for so many of them. “Like I said. I will not use any of you. When and if you work for me, I will pay you. Good. I will also feed you. I will take care of you all. I promise.” “Just like you have already done for all those years.” “I… tried my best. I apologize I was pulled away from you all, leaving you at the mercy of the guards.” “Do not worry, my Lord. We still had faith in you. We still believed you would come to us.” Leonardo stood further away watching Raphael interact with his people. It was beautiful to see. It was a good start too. Seeing his king coming in his way Leonardo smiled, placing another arm behind his back and other on his chest, bowing deeply. Raphael snorted with short laugh, reaching to kiss smaller male when he stood up straight. “If I didn’t know you any better, I would say you’re mocking me.” “Me? Ohohoh, nooo ~” Sharing another kiss with chuckles they ended up holding each other, looking at the ruins around them. “So this is it, then?” “Yes. This will be our home. We will make it bloom.” ** And they did. It took few years, but the town was finally fully rebuild. All workers had stayed and build themselves homes and small fields, many different people and species had come to see if the rumors were true about albino turtles’ land being “resurrected”. After the shock and surprise many of them had decided to move there so more houses were build. What, however, surprised all visitors the most, was the fact there was no castle. Raphael never wanted one so he and Leonardo had settled to live in big and comfortable house instead what they, with the help of others, had build. Standing outside under the sun Raphael spotted familiar figure coming towards the town on the back of a horse. Behind it was open carriage with something what Raphael couldn’t see clearly. Approaching them with a smile on his face, tears rose on the corner of his eyes as he spread his arms. “Gaya.” Old male albino turtle laughed after getting down from his ride’s back, returning the hug. “My king. You have matured.” Gaya’s hand was so warm on his cheek… Old, small, shaky and wrinkled, but warm. Raph’s focus turned from Gaya’s hand on the figures behind him when they approached them. Gasping Raphael lifted his head up, Gaya smiling at him even that he was not looking at him. “I did some research and found few surprises. I must admit they surprised even me.” Looking at other albino turtles behind him Gaya kept smiling before turning his focus back on young king, now receiving his attention with eye contact. “Welcome home, my king.” With loud sniff and deep inhale tears escaped Raphael’s eyes as he sealed Gaya’s hand back between his cheek and hand, softly kissing old palm. “Welcome home, my people.” The End!